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Tag: 82.5 Communications

  • Rohitash Srivastava joins 82.5 Communications as chief strategy officer

    Rohitash Srivastava joins 82.5 Communications as chief strategy officer

    MUMBAI: 82.5 Communications has appointed Rohitash Srivastava as its new chief strategy officer in a move that underscores the agency’s commitment to strengthening its strategic capabilities and accelerating growth. This internal transfer within the Ogilvy Group brings Srivastava’s two decades of experience as a communication planner, experience strategist, and brand consultant to the agency.

    Previously prominent strategic planning at Ogilvy India (north), Srivastava has shaped the brand strategies of industry giants, including The Coca-Cola Company, GSK’s Eno, Dabur India, Perfetti, Mother Dairy, and RSPL Group. His expertise in consumer-centric thinking and brand-building will play a pivotal role in 82.5 Communications’ continued success.

    “82.5 Communications is on a fantastic growth journey, fueled by the great work our teams are producing,” said  82.5 Communications CEO Kiran Ramamurthy. “Srivastava’s strategic acumen and proven track record are exactly what we need to accelerate this momentum. Srivastava thrives on simplifying complex challenges and making brand strategy feel refreshingly clear and actionable, with an approach rooted in common sense, conversation, and creativity.”

    Srivastava added, “82.5 is fast becoming the growth engine for Ogilvy, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this transformative moment. The talent and energy I see in Ramamurthy, our COO, and our CCOs Anuraag and Mayur make 82.5 a powerhouse of modern brand-building. We have great momentum, we’re already putting out some fantastic work, and this is just the beginning.”

    Srivastava’s accolades include multiple Effie awards, including a Gold and three Silvers in APAC Effies, and recognition as India’s Top Digital Planner by Digital Market Asia and Business World in 2016. He is also an academic contributor, teaching brand strategy at MICA and MET Mumbai and publishing insights in Brand Equity, WARC, and Campaign India.

  • De Beers unveils unique second piercing ritual to boost diamond demand

    De Beers unveils unique second piercing ritual to boost diamond demand

    MUMBAI: De Beers Group has introduced an innovative gifting occasion to enhance the appeal of natural diamonds among younger consumers—the second ear piercing. Rooted in India’s traditional and modern rituals, this initiative seeks to strengthen consumer connections with natural diamonds.

    The centrepiece of this campaign is the ‘Love, From Dad’ collection, designed to honour the unique bond between fathers and daughters. De Beers Group envisions this as a symbolic milestone—a daughter’s decision to get a second piercing representing her independence, marked with a timeless diamond gift from her father.

    To expand its reach, the programme is integrated into the Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance (INDRA), launched earlier this year in collaboration with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Retailers who register at www.indraonline.in can access and customise campaign materials, attend virtual training on natural diamonds, and utilise INDRA’s WhatsApp platform for seamless engagement.

    De Beers India MD Amit Pratihari remarked, “With the innovative ‘Love, From Dad’ campaign, De Beers continues to promote the unique qualities and desirability of natural diamonds, reinforcing their status as the ultimate symbol of enduring love and meaningful rituals. This program not only strengthens consumer connections to natural diamonds, but also provides retailers with a strategic platform to enhance their offerings during the festive season and beyond.”

    To further support Indian consumers, De Beers has launched a dedicated website, www.adiamondisforever.in, providing information on natural diamonds, a curated selection of diamond stud earrings for second piercings, and a store locator for participating retailers.

    The campaign employs a comprehensive, multi-lingual approach spanning television, print, OOH, radio, influencer marketing, and social media, ensuring deep consumer engagement. Conceptualised and executed by 82.5 Communications, it aims to highlight the special father-daughter relationship through storytelling that resonates across diverse audiences.

    82.5 Communications executive creative directors – south Sangeetha Sampath and Ravikumar Cherussola commented, “Relationships and diamonds have always been a rich space to explore. Our task was to identify a fresh take in this space. The world sees teenagers in a stereotypical way. But the dad sees his young teenager as an adult-in-training. Her overflow of emotions is a part of growing up, while she is figuring who she is and isn’t, like when she wants a second ear piercing. This campaign is a faithful portrayal of this dad-teenage daughter relationship.”

    Rolling out just ahead of the festive season, the ‘Love, From Dad’ campaign aims to establish natural diamonds as the perfect expression of love and celebration. 

  • 82.5 Communications secures creative mandate for Bacardi India’s brands

    82.5 Communications secures creative mandate for Bacardi India’s brands

    MUMBAI: When has Bacardi not turned the mundane into a memory, setting the rhythm at your favorite club, igniting laughter at house parties, or simply elevating your spirits with every pour? Always, right? Well, hold onto your glasses because Bacardi India has just uncorked a game-changer!

    In a bold, electrifying move, the brand is ready to shake up the world of advertising by teaming up with 82.5 Communications. And at the helm of this creative storm? None other than the chief creative officer, Anuraag Khandelwal, with a proven flair for crafting iconic campaigns.

    This partnership isn’t just about marketing—it’s a pledge to reimagine storytelling, connect with consumers like never before, and launch Bacardi’s brands into an orbit of innovation and excitement.

    Get ready for campaigns that’ll make heads turn and glasses clink!

    Emerging as the ideal partner after a rigorous pitch process, 82.5 Communications impressed with its dynamic ideas and marketing solutions. The agency will also play a pivotal role in supporting Bacardi India’s upcoming product launches, ensuring a cohesive and memorable brand presence.

    Sharing his excitement, Bacardi India and neighbouring regions, marketing director, Mahesh Kanchan remarked, “This partnership with 82.5 Communications will bring a fresh perspective resonating deeply with Indian consumers. Together, we aim to create moments that matter and drive unforgettable consumer experiences.”

    Reflecting on this collaboration, 82.5 Communications chief creative officer, Khandelwal stated, “I’m thrilled to be part of this journey with Bacardi India Private Limited. We’re focused on creating impactful brand stories that redefine category codes and build meaningful connections with consumers.”

    82.5 Communications, president north & east, Chandana Agarwal added, “Both Bacardi India and 82.5 Communications share a passion for excellence and storytelling. We are confident that together we will create magic and bring a fresh perspective to the market.”

  • 82.5 Communications appointed as creative agency for JSW MG Motor India’s product campaign

    82.5 Communications appointed as creative agency for JSW MG Motor India’s product campaign

    Gurugram: 82.5 Communications, part of the Ogilvy group, has been appointed as the new creative partner for an upcoming campaign of JSW MG Motor India. 82.5 Communications will be responsible for enhancing visibility and customer engagement of JSW MG India’s upcoming product across digital, social, and traditional platforms.

    The partnership with 82.5 Communications aligns with JSW MG Motor India’s vision to not only stay ahead of the curve in the automotive industry but also highlight the brand’s forward-thinking approach to mobility, technologies and connected car. With a strong focus on developing marketing initiatives that resonate with brand’s ethos and appeal to a diverse and dynamic audience, this collaboration is set to bring fresh, innovative ideas and compelling narratives to the marketing strategies of JSW MG India.

    Commenting on the partnership, JSW MG Motor India head of marketing, Udit Malhotra said, “At JSW MG Motor India, we are constantly exploring innovative ways to engage with our customers and create memorable brand experiences. Our partnership with 82.5 Communications is an exciting step towards delivering impactful, creative and immersive solutions to our discerning customers. Their innovative approach, combined with deep understanding of automotive landscape, makes them the perfect partner to lead the mandate for our upcoming product campaign.”

    82.5 Communications – India said CCO, Anuraag Khandelwal said, “I’m stoked to join forces with JSW MG, the legendary British motoring brand that’s been fueling adrenaline junkies since a 100 years! From the vintage 14/28 Super Sports car to the sleek 1967 Roadster, and now the electric MG ZS EV, MGs always pushed the pedal to the metal on innovation, radical style, and sheer driving pleasure.  More of the same spirit is now seen in their hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.

    At 82.5, we’re buckled up and raring to collaborate, innovate, and shift communication into high gear!”

    82.5 Communications president, North & East, Chandana Agarwal said, “We are thrilled to have been awarded the  mandate for the new campaign of JSW MG India. This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, as MG is an iconic brand. We look forward to partnering them as they grow in the country, creating impactful work that resonates with their legacy and drive future growth together. It is a testament to the team work at 82Point5, we as a team demonstrated hunger and an understanding of the category that got us the business in a competitive multi agency pitch.”

  • Franklin Templeton & 82.5 Communications launch ‘#ChangeTheSoch’ campaign

    Franklin Templeton & 82.5 Communications launch ‘#ChangeTheSoch’ campaign

    Mumbai: Studies have shown that financial advice from women is often dismissed or undervalued compared to advice from their male counterparts. This disparity can hinder women’s confidence in their financial decisions and may deter them from pursuing careers in finance.

    The ‘#ChangeTheSoch’ campaign by Franklin Templeton is a simple yet powerful idea, that demonstrates the absurdity of how the same financial advice is received differently.

    The campaign underlines the problem of women being frequently overlooked as credible sources of financial advice, despite their expertise and qualifications.

    Director & head of sales enablement, Juzer Tambawalla: “Our campaign is a conversation starter that aims to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem where everyone’s advice is heard and respected equally. There is an urgent need to challenge the ingrained biases that undermine women’s credibility, especially in the world of finance. #ChangeTheSoch is about recognizing the expertise that’s already there and ensuring it is valued, regardless of the voice delivering it.”

    VP and head of marketing Geetanjali Sachwani: “We all have a voice. Some a whisper, some a roar. If you can roar, roar for those who can’t. If you can only whisper, keep trying because every roar was once a whisper. A woman with a voice is a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult. And at Franklin Templeton, we have used ‘voice’ to bring a change in soch. Through this campaign, we are trying to find a voice that calls out that women are equal to men in life and investments.”

    82.5 Communications CCO Anuraag Khandelwal: “It’s always lovely to partner clients who want to create work that not only engages but also challenges deeply ingrained biases and real problems. We created #ChangeTheSoch as an initiative to confront the issue of gender disparity in financial credibility head-on. This campaign highlights the different receptions of identical advice based solely on the gender of the speaker, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own biases. Advertising, when thoughtfully executed, can transcend its commercial purpose and become a catalyst for societal change. Through this campaign, our humble effort is to empower women to assert their rightful place in the financial sector, whether as informed investors or as respected advisors.”

  • 82.5 Communications helps bring alive PhonePe SmartSpeaker

    82.5 Communications helps bring alive PhonePe SmartSpeaker

    Mumbai: PhonePe has just redefined real-time voice payment alerts, with the launch of a first-of-its-kind celebrity voice feature on its SmartSpeakers in collaboration with Indian actor,  Amitabh Bachchan. Instead of the automated payment confirmation message while shopping, shoppers and merchants will now hear the treasured voice of Bachchan. Part of PhonePe’s Golden Voice Project, this is an innovation that is set to delight every Indian.

    Bringing this idea to life is 82.5 Communications, an advertising agency that is known for its ‘Ingenious Indian Ideas’. The 82.5 team recognized the transformative power of Bachchan’s voice and set out with one goal in mind – to ensure that the iconic intonation, baritone and style of Bachchan reaches every Indian through the SmartSpeaker. To do so, the team delved deep into the charming personality and various nuances of Bachchan. And then worked extensively with the man himself, collaborating with him to deliver the unique messages in his unmistakable style    

    Commenting on the 82.5 x PhonePe collaboration for the Golden Voice project, PhonePe brand marketing & director Ramesh Srinivasan said, “The intent was to change the way merchants get their payment alerts, reminders and other notifications. We are glad to have 82.5 Communications partner with us on this. They were able to lend their ingenious touch to the existing prompts and turn it into something magical, in a manner that every merchant and customer shall now feel and hear Mr. Bachchan’s presence in every part of the country.”

    82.5 Communications COO Mayur Varma said, “PhonePe SmartSpeakers speaking in electronic voices were going to get a massive voice upgrade. Big B was bringing in his baritone, and we got the opportunity to set the tone of voice that was uniquely PhonePe. Henceforth, there will be a clear distinction between PhonePe SmartSpeakers and the ‘rest of them’.”

    82.5 Communications – South executive VP & branch head Naveen Sharma said, “This is a cracker of a collaboration. What a lovely way to be present in every nook and corner of the country and interact with the consumer day in and day out, that too through the most celebrated voice in the country. We at 82.5 Communications are thrilled to have partnered with PhonePe in creating this.”

    82.5 Communications – South executive creative directors Sangeetha Sampath and Ravikumar Cherussola elaborated on the process, “We wanted every merchant and customer to truly feel Mr. Bachchan’s unique intonation and baritone. Just like every Indian, we are huge Big B fans too. And that is what set the goal for us to bring alive the iconic style of Mr. Bachchan to every Indian through the PhonePe SmartSpeaker.”    

  • Sumanto Chattopadhyay to move on from 82.5 Communications

    Sumanto Chattopadhyay to move on from 82.5 Communications

    Mumbai: 82.5 Communications chairman and chief creative officer Sumanto Chattopadhyay will be retiring later this month after having been with the Ogilvy Group for 30 years, the network has announced. The company said in a statement that Sumanto’s journey with Ogilvy and then in setting up 82.5 was nothing short of excellence, and he leaves behind several proteges and a robust collection of awards from Indian and international platforms.

    Anuraag Khandelwal and Mayur Varma will take on the creative leadership role as joint chief creative officers, 82.5 Communications India. Both Anuraag and Mayur are home-grown leaders—seeped in the Ogilvy group culture, part of the 82.5 founding team, with a body of internationally and nationally acclaimed work to show.

    Ogilvy chairman global creative & executive chairman India Piyush Pandey said, “Sumanto Chattopadhyay has spent 30 glorious years with Ogilvy and 82.5 and retires after a well-played, long innings. Sumanto leaves with blessings and good wishes from all of us at Ogilvy and 82.5.”

    He added, “I am delighted to announce the appointment of two new CCOs who will work together to keep 82.5 shining. Mayur Varma and Anuraag Khandelwal are experienced and Ogilvy-trained creative stars who have received international and national recognition for their phenomenal creative work over the years. I am happy that Sumanto leaves behind a solid creative leadership for 82.5.”

    82.5 Communications India chairman & chief creative officer Sumanto Chattopadhyay said, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the adventure called Ogilvy, including its 82.5 chapter. Now it’s time for me to seek new adventures. It’s good to know that I can pass the baton to capable hands. Mayur has grown up under me in Ogilvy Kolkata, then Mumbai, and finally at 82.5. It’s wonderful to see him come into his own. Anuraag is a fabulously creative person who has done 82.5 proud with his work and will, no doubt, shine brighter now. Kapil, my co-chairman, is a man for all seasons. With this leadership, the agency has a great future. My warmest wishes to them, to 82.5 and to all my colleagues past and present.”  

    82.5 Communications India co-chairman and chief executive officer Kapil Arora added, “I’ve had the privilege of being Sumanto’s partner these last three years and have much to thank him for, including helping build 82.5 Communications into a formidable agency in such a short period of time.  Sumanto is well known for grooming fantastic leaders throughout his career. As is the case with Anuraag Khandelwal and Mayur Varma, they are two of the best new-age, open and fearless creative leaders, and I can’t wait for them to bring their ideas, energy, and creative vision for the future of 82.5 Communications to life.”

    “We are super excited to be given the India responsibility of 82.5! Our endeavour is to work towards creating a more collaborative, creative and empathetic culture for our clients and us. With work that is both loved and fearless,” said Anuraag Khandelwal and Mayur Varma.

  • Havells urges ‘No Grooming pe Assuming’ in latest campaign

    Havells urges ‘No Grooming pe Assuming’ in latest campaign

    Mumbai: Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Fast-Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) company Havells India Ltd has launched its latest digital campaign urging customers to take a stand against public assumptions associated with personal grooming. The campaign titled #StopMeriGroomingPeAssuming is live on Havells’ official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.

    Conceptualised by the agency 82.5 Communications, the campaign features Bollywood actors Vicky Kaushal and Shraddha Kapoor who share their perspectives around personal grooming, self-worth and social validation.

    Kickstarting with a series of digital films on various social channels, the campaign focuses on bringing alive the personality of today’s millennials that are rooted in self-worth and strength of personality rather than social validation. Themed around ‘Personal grooming vs Public Assuming’ the quirky and youthful films represent today’s youth who make this point in a light-hearted, quirky and fun manner, with the final sign-off ‘#StopMeriGroomingPeAssuming.’

     “Today, we live in a world where we often face certain assumptions based on our personal appearance. Through the campaign, we aim to inspire people to change their perspectives and thoughts associated with personal grooming and appearance,” said Havells India’s president for electrical consumer durables Ravindra Singh Negi. “With youth icons and stars like Vicky Kaushal and Shraddha Kapoor, we want to reach out to the millennial generation and inspire them to create their distinctive style statement and flaunt it to the world against any external validation. Themed around ‘Personal grooming vs Public Assuming’, the campaign urges our audience to take charge of their looks and change the status quo.”

    The first film of the campaign is live and the brand will launch two films in the coming weeks, said the statement

  • PhonePe launches hyper-local campaign in South India

    PhonePe launches hyper-local campaign in South India

    Mumbai: While there is a PhonePe Insurance campaign for Hindi-speaking markets, talking to South India meant starting with a fresh slate for the online insurance brand. After a multi-agency pitch, 82.5 Communications won the creative mandate to extend PhonePe’s ‘Tension Chhodo, Insurance Lo’ campaign to the five states of South India. 

    82.5 Communications brought together its knowledge and insights of South India towards one objective – build consideration for PhonePe insurance, while communicating about the various features that ladder up to ‘No Tension Insurance.’

    Commenting on the association, PhonePe director – brand marketing Ramesh Srinivasan said, “When our brand is a household name, the stories we take to our audience’s homes should also be relevant and relatable to every household. One of the key pillars of our communications strategy has been to position PhonePe not just as a national brand but a regional one as well, for each and every consumer of ours. The insurance campaign for PhonePe created by 82.5 Communications for South India markets aims to do just that – a full 360 campaign not just adapted from the mainline but custom-designed for the sensibilities and nuances of each of the 5 states in the south.”  

    “The PhonePe insurance campaign was an opportunity for us to flex our hyperlocal creative muscle—a muscle we have consciously built, across Marathi, Bengali and Southern Indian languages, for example,” stated 82.5 Communications-India chairman and CCO Sumanto Chattopadhyay. “Advertising often treats South India as a homogenous whole, but in this campaign, we got the opportunity to create afresh for five Southern states—so what the consumer sees is the same concept that is yet not the same, both in terms of language and cultural nuancing.” 

    “We at 82.5 Communications take pride in being a language first agency and that is what we have brought alive in this campaign,” said 82.5 Communications-South SVP and branch head Naveen Raman. “This South-focused campaign is thought through in the respective regional languages dialing up local insights and nuances. Each market will get to see a series of multiple films well supported by print, radio and digital.” 

    The chosen creative idea features two brothers who discover the various features of PhonePe Insurance through the multi-film campaign. Four films are already live, with more to come.  

    82.5 Communications–South group creative directors Sangeetha Sampath and Ravikumar Cherussola elaborated on the creative process and said, “Gone are the days of dubbing an obviously non-South ad in the four languages of South India. Furthermore, while certain insights could remain common across the Southern states, there is a vast difference in culture, language, traditions, and nuances. And we wanted to capture that perfectly, and respectfully. Every ad of the Two Brothers campaign has been shot separately for the 5 states, featuring native actors of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana. This hyper-local thinking and execution extends to print and digital too.”